AS-1 : Disclosure of Accounting Policies

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AS-1
DISCLOSURE OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
he objective of financial statements is to provide information
about the financial position, performance and cash flows of
an enterprise that is useful to a wide range of users, in
making economic decisions.
T
Financial statements portray the effect of past events and
transactions. Accounting policies and methods adopted by an
enterprise, in turn, influence the effect of past events and
transactions. Users must be able to compare the:
financial statements of any one enterprise through time so
that trends and movements in performance and position can
be identified, and
status of different enterprises for an evaluation of relative
financial position and performance.

The disclosure by an entity of its accounting policies, enable users to-
understand the past
extrapolate to the future

A critical qualitative characteristic of comparability is that users be informed of not merely
the accounting principles and methods adopted by the enterprises, but the changes in such
policies introduced and the monetary effect of such changes, as well.
This standard deals with the disclosure of significant accounting policies followed in
preparation and presentation of financial statements. The purpose is to promote a better
understanding of financial statements by establishing through an Accounting Standard
(AS), a mandatory requirement that all significant accounting policies ought to be disclosed
as also the manner in which such accounting policies are to be disclosed in the financial
statements.

Accounting Policies

Accounting policies refer to:
a) Specific accounting principles, and
b) Methods adopted by enterprises, in applying these principles in the preparation and
presentation of financial statements.

Accounting Policy Components
Principle Method of applying principle
Providing depreciation on an Straight line,
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asset to account for loss in value Written down value basis or any other appropriate method
Disclosure needs arise because accounting policies can differ

Accounting principles and methods can differ between one enterprise and another, in the
areas of recognition, treatment or valuation of assets, or recognition of transactions or
events. An illustrative list of examples is given below:
i. Accounting conventions followed
ii. Basis of accountingHistorical or
Current cost
iii. Valuation of inventory
iv. Valuation of investments
v. Valuation of fixed assets including
revaluation
vi. Policies relating to depreciation of
fixed assets
vii. Translation of foreign currency
transactions or items
viii. Treatment of Government grants
ix. Treatment of goodwill
x. Recognition of a liability for
retirement benefits
xi. Recognition of profit on long-term
contracts
xii. Absorption of costs incurred on
research and development
xiii. Treatment of preliminary, or, capital
issue expenses
xiv. Treatment of Lease rental income or
lease rental payment
xv. Treatment of expenditure during
construction
xvi. Treatment of contingent liabilities

Fundamental Accounting Concepts
AS-1 highlights three important practical rules. [The term rules is used consciously to
focus on the fact that over time, these are capable of variation and evolve as the depth and
profundity of accounting practice increases].
Going Concern Concept
We apply this concept on the basis that the reporting entity is normally viewed to be
continuing in operation in the foreseeable future, and without there being any intention
or necessity for it to either liquidate or curtail materially its scale of business
operations.
Accrual Concept
This is relevant in the area of revenue and costs. These are accrued, i.e., recognised,
as they are earned or incurred (and not as cash is received or paid). Also, they are
recorded in the period to which they relate.
Consistency Concept
There should be consistency of accounting treatment of comparable (similar) items, not
only within each accounting period, but also from one period to another.
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These concepts, which are fundamental to accounting, are the broad-based assumptions,
underlying preparation of financial statements periodically. Financial statements are
assumed to be prepared by adhering, among others, to these concepts.
Unless any contrary position is unequivocally brought to notice, the user can validly
presume that these principles have been followed. Consequently, if any one of these
principles is not adhered to, such a fact ought to be disclosed.

Selection of appropriate accounting policies
Financial statements (e.g., annual accounts) are internationally recognised as a composite
whole with, Balance Sheet, Statement of Profit and Loss, Notes on accounts, and cash
flow picture, as its constituent elements. Entities governed by the provisions of Companies
Act, or other Statutes while complying with the detailed provisions in the relevant statues,
should also ensure that the accounts do give a true and fair view of the financial position
and performance. A remote possibility of a conflict between compliance with detailed
provisions in the Statues and the achievement of truth and fairness cannot perhaps be
taken as entirely non-existing. In such a situation, there is an overriding obligation to
provide a true and fair view to users of financial statements.
It is this overriding obligation that constitutes the major consideration in the determination
and selection of accounting policies that are appropriate to an entity, event or transaction.
Rightly, therefore, AS-1 lays emphasis on true and fair view being kept in primary focus for
adoption of any accounting policy.
Consider an entity using projector lights, the useful life of which is governed by the number
of hours it is in use. The basis for an appropriate accounting policy for depreciating such
an asset would be the actual number of hours such an asset is put to use. Selection of a
straight-line method, allowing for a five-year life would apparently be inappropriate.
Consider another case of usage of a machinery wear and tear of which is higher in initial
years, relative to later years. Selection of written down value method of depreciation would
be appropriate in this case, as opposed to a straight-line method. Viewed in this backdrop,
true and fair principle would get vitiated if the accounting policy selected is inappropriate.
An enterprise has, therefore, to exercise scrupulous care in the selection and application of
accounting principles and methods. Such a selection is guided by three major
considerations.
(a) Prudence
Prudence is the inclusion of a degree of caution in the exercise of judgements needed
in making estimates required under conditions of uncertainty.
By exercising prudence, an enterprise does not recognise profits on the basis of
anticipation. These are recognised only when realised though not necessarily in cash.
However, all known losses are anticipated and provided for.

For example, in determining the carrying amount of inventory, the profit margins are
ignored and yet, the realisable value if less than cost is taken cognizance of.
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(b) Substance over form

If information is to represent faithfully the transactions or events, it is essential that
they are accounted for and presented in accordance with their substance and
economic reality and not merely their legal form.
For example, where rights and interests in a property stands transferred while legal
documentation for the transfer is yet to be completed, the transaction should be
recorded as a sale in the books of transferor and acquisition in the books of
transferee. While distinguishing an amalgamation in the nature of merger, from one
that of purchase, we do look at the substance of the transaction (i.e. whether the
shareholders come together in a substantially equal partnership to share risks and
benefits), over its form. Under AS-7(R) Construction Contracts, this concept of
substance over form has been fittingly adopted in the determination of what
constitutes a single contract for recognition of costs and revenues,
(c) Materiality

The relevance of information is affected by its materiality. Information is material if its
misstatement, i.e. omission or erroneous statement, could influence the economic
decisions taken by the user, based on such financial statements. Accordingly,
financial statements should disclose all material items, i.e., knowledge of which might
influence the decision of the user of financial statements.

Three major considerations in selecting accounting policies are highlighted in the
Standard. Other qualitative characteristics of accounting information, such as (i)
relevance, (ii) neutrality, (iii) completeness, and (iv) reliability are equally critical to
users in order that financial statements are meaningful. In the selection and adoption
of accounting policies these aspects should also be kept in view. (also see Chart at
the end of this Chapter)

Disclosure of Accounting Policies

All significant policies adopted in the preparation and presentation of financial statements
should be disclosed at one place and should form part of the financial statements.
It is customary to furnish a summary of the accounting policies in respect of the following
areas:
Accounting Convention
Basis of Accounting
Fixed Assets
Depreciation
Revaluation of Assets
Investments
Inventories
Revenue Recognition
Investment Income
Borrowing Cost
Proposed Dividend
Retirement Benefits
Lease Rentals (Lease Income)
Research and Development Costs
Taxes on income
Foreign currency translation
Claims
Segment Reporting
Financial and Management Information
Systems
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Intangible assets
Changes in the Accounting Policies - Dealt with in AS- 5.

a) An enterprise is free to change its accounting policies, unless it violates any statutory
provisions, or codes laid down in a mandatory Accounting Standard, and provided of
course such a change leads to better and more meaningful presentation of accounting
information. If, however, such a change may have a material effect on the financial
statements of the current accounting period or later periods, such changes should be
disclosed.
b) Where a change in the accounting policies carries with it a material impact on the
performance and operations in the current period, the amount by which any item in
the financial statement is affected by such change should also be disclosed to the
extent ascertainable. Where such amount is not ascertainable wholly or partly, the fact
should be indicated. If a change in the accounting policy has material effect only on
the financial statements of a subsequent period, the fact of such change should be
appropriately disclosed in the period in which the change is adopted.

Comparison of AS 1 with IAS and US GAAP

AS 1 IAS 1 US GAAP
Defines accounting policies,
as specific accounting
principles and methods of
applying these principles
adopted by enterprises in
preparation and presentation
of financial statements
Defines overall
considerations for financial
statements, besides
prescribing minimum
structure and content of
financial statements.
In addition, a statement
showing changes in equity is
also to be presented as a
part of financial statements
Defines accounting policies as
specific accounting principles that
are judged by the management of
the enterprise to be the most
appropriate in the circumstance to
present fairly financial position,
and results of operations in
accordance with GAAP and are
accordingly adopted for preparing
financial statements.
Choice of appropriate
accounting policies calls for
considerable judgement by the
management of the enterprise
Require specific disclosure
for departure from IFRS,
critical judgement made by
management in applying
accounting policies.
Unusual or innovative applications
of generally accepted accounting
principles are additionally to be
disclosed
True and fair view, going
concern, consistency, accrual,
prudence, materiality and
substance over form are
highlighted.
No item should be disclosed
as extraordinary item.


Supplemental information
(i) The Standard is mandatorily applicable to and is required to be complied with by, all
enterprises.
(ii) ICAI has constituted a Study Group for revision of AS-1.

For a better appreciation of AS-1, readers should also refer to AAS 13 (Audit Materiality),
AAS 16 (Going Concern), Provisions of Sub section (3) of Section 209 of the Companies
Act (books of accounts to be maintained on accrual basis), Parts I, II and III of Schedule VI
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to the Act (legal requirement as to the format and materiality element of disclosure) and
217(2AA) of the Act (legal relevance of selection and application of accounting policies).
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QUESTION BANK
Review of Policies
1. Comment on the appropriateness of the following accounting policies. Where
inappropriate, give reasons.

a) Amount of exchange differences arising on translation on Balance Sheet date is
taken to profit and loss account excepting in case of gain on current assets and
liabilities in a country from where, on account of restrictions, the ability of the
overseas unit is seriously impaired in transferring funds. In addition, as a
matter of abundant prudence, gain on long-term liabilities is held as a reserve in
order to meet any translation loss that may arise in one or more subsequent
periods.

b) Construction contracts entered into on or after 1
st
April 2003, and the entire
duration of which falls within one single accounting year, are accounted for on
completed contract method, and all other construction contracts are accounted
for on percentage of completion method.

c) In the area of construction contracts, revenue from fixed price construction contracts
is recognised on the percentage of completion method, measured by reference to
the percentage of labour hours incurred up to the reporting date, to estimated
total labour hours for each contract.

d) Effective 1st April 2003, the Company has adopted and applied the prescriptions
under AS-26 (Intangible Assets), and expenses incurred on intangible items from
the said date are recognised as Intangible Assets, only if future economic
benefits from such items flow to the enterprise and the costs are measurable.
Keeping materiality of items in view, all expenses recognised as Intangible
Assets are written off, where the initial cost of recognition is Rs.5,000 or less,
even if they do not meet the criteria.

e) The company have prepared and reported segment information in conformity
with the accounting policies adopted for preparing and presenting financial
statements of the company as a whole. In the case of assets, which are used
jointly by two business segments, values are apportioned between the two on a
rational and realistic basis, while the joint revenues, which do not pertain to
either, are taken on Head Office account.

Solution

Evaluation of accounting policies:

a) Inappropriate. Unrealised gains on long term liabilities cannot be held as a reserve, but
should be credited to P&L from year to year.
b) Inappropriate. Even in cases where the contract duration is less than one single
accounting year, it is essential to adopt only Percentage Completion method. Such a
need arises, for Interim Financial Reporting (AS 25 where an interim period is treated
as an accounting period, shorter than one full accounting year).
c) Appropriate.
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d) Appropriate. However, an item to be recognised as an intangible asset, should pass
both (a) definition and (b) recognition criteria. The policy talks only about recognition
criteria. Further, the policy cannot cite, materiality and value being less than Rs. 5000
as reasons for write off, in cases where an item cannot be in the first place recognised
as an IA.
e) Inappropriate. In the case of assets, which are used jointly by two business segments,
values can be apportioned between the two only if the revenues generated from the
assets are similarly apportioned.

Change in Accounting Policy

2. Western CK Ltd., have been consistently following a method of assigning costs to
inventories using Standard Cost system, with an in built normal overhead absorption
rate on labour-hour basis. During the year ended 31
st
March 2004, the company
modified the absorption basis from labour-hour rates, to machine hour rates. The
method of assigning costs was allowed to remain undisturbed on Standard Cost
system. Comment if this is tantamount to a change in accounting policy within the
meaning of AS 2 (Revised), effective from 1st April 1999.

Solution

AS 2 provides for two cost formulae, namely, FIFO and Weighted Average. In paragraph 18,
the Standard refers to Standard Cost method as a technique of measuring cost, if results
approximate values as per FIFO or weighted average. It may appear that Western CK Ltd.
has not changed the accounting policy, and the cost formula used in the valuation of
inventories. Going by the spirit behind the prescriptions in the Standard, it is but appropriate to
reckon a change in the basis of Standard Cost of a unit, as a change in cost formula, and
to make a disclosure, together with the accounting effect thereof, as a part of accounting
policy under AS 2.
Appropriatness of going concern assumption

3. Preparation of financial statements in a situation where going concern assumption is
inappropriate.

A joint venture company promoted by a government undertaking and a private
promoter has two manufacturing units. The management of the day-to-day affairs of
the company was vested with the private promoter until 17.2.1997 which was
subsequently taken over by the government undertaking owing to large-scale
misappropriations committed by the private promoter. The company is now being run
by the board of directors who are the nominees of the government undertaking. Due to
the large-scale misappropriations, the resources of the company had drained and the
bankers had also frozen the limits resulting in the eventual suspension of the
operations of the company from September 1998. The company's case was referred to
Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) and BIFR, vide its order
dated 26.7.2000 had pronounced that the company was fit to be wound up. BIFR has
accordingly advised the Hon'ble High Court of Chennai to appoint the official liquidator
for winding up of the company.

The company is in the process of compiling its accounts for the 18 months period from
1.10.1998 to 31.3.2000 and has been advised by certain experts that the principle of
'going concern' would not apply to the company, which has been endorsed by the
company's board of directors also. However, there are conflicting views on compilation
of accounts in the case where the principle of 'going concern' does not apply. One view
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is that the company should prepare the profit and loss account and disclose all known
liabilities and provide for the same, Whereas the other view is that the company
should only prepare the receipt and payments account and quantify the liabilities and
disclose the same by way of explanatory note in the notes to accounts. During the
period under question, the company had a marginal turnover of Rs.3.84 lac from
existing inventory.
Advice :

(a) Whether the fundamental accounting assumption of going concern would be valid
for the company.

(b) If the principle of 'going concern' does not apply to the company, whether the
company should prepare a receipts and payments account or profit and loss
account.

(c) If the company is required to prepare a receipts and payments account, how the
liabilities should be disclosed and provided for.

(d) Whether the company would be justified in imputing a value to the inventory and
sundry debtors despite the fact that the company is not in operation since
September, 1998.

(e) If the answer to the above question is in the negative, whether the company
would be justified in writing off the entire imputed value of debtors and inventory.

Solution :

(a) The fundamental accounting assumption of going concern would not be appropriate
in the facts and circumstances of the company for the preparation and presentation
of financial statements.

(b) The company should prepare the balance sheet and profit and loss account on
liquidation basis and the basis for preparation of such financial statements should be
disclosed.

(c) In view of (b) above, receipts and payments accounts should not be prepared.
Liabilities should be valued on liquidation basis. I,e., how much would be payable to
the creditors in the event of liquidation.

(d) The company should value all assets and liabilities including inventories and sundry
debtors on the basis used for preparation of financial statements, i.e., liquidation
basis (realisable value).

(e) Since the answer to (d) is not in the negative, the question does not arise.